Selective Operational Modes of End-of-Train Unit Based on GPS Information

ABSTRACT

In a method of controlling operation of an end-of-train unit (EOTU) of a train during travel of the train on a path, a GPS receiver of the EOTU receives first GPS data and a controller, based on the received first GPS data, sets an electrical/electronic device or system of the EOTU to a first mode of operation. After travel of the train on the path following setting the electrical/electronic device or system to the first mode of operation, the GPS receiver receives second GPS data. The controller, based on the received second GPS data, sets the electrical/electronic device or system of the EOTU to a second, different mode of operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to dynamically changing one or more modesof operation of an end-of-train unit (EOTU) based on a geographicallocation of the EOTU, a time of day at said geographical location, orboth.

Description of Related Art

Existing EOTUs are limited to a single configuration profile or mode ofoperation defined for an entire cycle of train operation. It is onlybetween cycles of train operation that a new configuration profile maybe uploaded to or programmed in the EOTU for a subsequent cycle of trainoperation. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, a cycle oftrain operation can include travel of the train between a startinglocation and a destination location, with or without stops along the waybetween the starting location and the destination location.

A drawback to an EOTU operating in a single mode for the entire cycle oftrain operation is that one or more conditions during travel of thetrain on the track while the EOTU is operating in the single mode ofoperation may change based on location and/or time of day (andoptionally a date associated with said time of day) whereupon one ormore different aspects, features, or parameters of the mode of operationcould benefit from a change in the mode of operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, provided, in some preferred and non-limiting embodiments orexamples, is a method of selecting a mode of operation of anend-of-train unit (EOTU) based on positions of the train and, moreparticularly, positions of the EOTU and/or times of day.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the method may be executedin software by a controller that includes one or more processors and amemory.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the positions of the EOTUcan be determined from GPS data included (modulated) in or on one ormore GPS signals. In an example, the GPS signals can be received by aGPS receiver that is part of or in communication with the EOTU.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the GPS signals can bereceived by a GPS receiver that is part of or in communication with ahead-of-train unit (HOTU) of the train. In an example, the HOTU can be(and typically is) part of a locomotive of the train. The HOTU caninclude one or more processors and a memory.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the position of the EOTUcan be determined from data included in the GPS signals received by theGPS receiver of the HOTU with reference to information in a trackdatabase stored in a memory accessible to the controller regarding asection of track being traversed by the train and/or an estimate of thelength of the train.

Herein, the controller can comprise one or more of the processors ofHOTU and EOTU coupled to one or more memories of HOTU and EOTU.

In an example, the length of the train can be determined or estimatedfrom the number of cars of the train. The track database can includeinformation regarding at least a section of track being traversed by thetrain, such as, without limitation, the geography, the topography and/orone or more distances between one or more locations of the section oftrack. Using the estimated length of the train and the distanceinformation stored in the track database, the geographical location ofthe EOTU at or about the time the GPS data was received by the GPSreceiver that is part of or in communication with the HOTU can bedetermined (taking into account the time to process the received GPSdata and to calculate the geographical location of the EOTU from thetrack database information).

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the EOTU can dynamicallyswitch between one or more configuration profiles or modes of operationbased on information in GPS signals that can be received occasionally,periodically, or aperiodically. In some non-limiting embodiments orexamples, information included in received GPS signals can be used withthe information stored in the track database to determine when the trainand/or EOTU is at or is approaching a geographical location where itwould be desirable to switch from at least one configuration profile ormode of operation to another. In this way, the EOTU can operateaccording to predefined sets of parameters and switch from oneconfiguration profile or mode of operation to another based ongeographical location.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the information includedin received GPS signals can include time(s) of day which can be used bythe EOTU to switch from one configuration profile or mode of operationto another. The time(s) of day can be used in combination with orindependent of the geographical location of the EOTU to switch from oneconfiguration profile or mode of operation to another. Herein,“configuration profile” and “mode of operation” may sometimes be usedinterchangeably.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the EOTU switching fromone or more configuration profiles or modes of operation to another canbe performed by the EOTU autonomously with or without input fromexternal systems, such as, a head-of-train unit (HOTU).

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, an EOTU in accordance withthe principles described herein can operate in a first mode ofoperation, acting in similar fashion as an existing EOTU, and can switchto a second mode of operation when a first particular geographicallocation and/or time is reached. Thereafter, the EOTU in accordance withprinciples described herein can switch from the second mode of operationto another mode of operation, including the first mode of operation,when a second particular geographical location and/or time is reached.

In an example, in the software running on the EOTU, a configurationprofile may include a first set of parameters that includes at least oneflag or bit that can be set in a first state, e.g., “0”, or a secondstate, e.g., “1”, to change a function of the EOTU between first andsecond modes of operation. However, this is not to be construed in alimiting sense since it is envisioned that the first and second modes ofoperation can be set in software in any suitable and/or desirablemanner.

Examples of such EOTU functions that can be changed can include, forexample, without limitation: first and second data transmission rates ofan EOTU communication device; first and second power levels of datatransmission of the EOTU communication device; first and secondhandshake periods of the EOTU communication device with anothercommunication device; a lamp of the EOTU changing state from off to on,or vice versa; transmitting or withholding a request to the othercommunication device to output a command for the EOTU to change thestate of the lamp off to on, or vice versa; the EOTU periodically oraperiodically transmitting data, wherein the interval between sequentialdata transmissions is changed between a first interval of time and asecond interval of time; the EOTU periodically or aperiodicallyacquiring data, wherein the interval between sequential dataacquisitions is changed between the first interval of time and thesecond interval of time; the EOTU transmitting and not transmittingimages acquired by a camera; the EOTU acquiring and not acquiring datafrom a remote data source; and the EOTU communication device's use andnon-use of a cellular telephone transceiver at part of a communicationchannel. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, an EOTU caninclude at least two configuration profiles. In an example, the firstconfiguration profile, e.g., corresponding to a first state, can includea communication device of the EOTU, e.g., a wireless radio transceiver,operating at a first output power level, e.g., 2 watts. The secondconfiguration profile, e.g., corresponding to a second state, caninclude the communication device of the EOTU operating at a secondoutput power level, e.g., 8 watts.

In an example, a first configuration profile can include a first datatransmission rate from the EOTU to the HOTU, or vice versa, while asecond configuration profile can include a second, faster or slower,data transmission rate from the EOTU to the HOTU, or vice versa. In anexample, the same frequency can be used with the first and second datatransmission rates.

In an example, a first configuration profile can include a first datalogging rate and/or log content of the EOTU that is based on thereceived GPS data while a second configuration profile can include asecond data logging rate and/or log content. Examples of first andsecond log rates and/or log content may include, without limitation:changing the frequency of logs generated for self-diagnosis or datagathering; enable/disable selected logs from being created to gatherdata, or save disk space and computing power; change the level of eventlogging to gather more or less data; and/or change the location of datalogging from saving internally to EOTU to sending data out to a BackOffice.

Examples of one or more events that may be logged can include, withoutlimitation: the EOTU receives a communications test message from theHOTU and the EOTU responds; the EOTU receives an Emergency message fromthe HOTU and the EOTU triggers the brakes and responds to the HOTU withthe results; the EOTU sends and ARMing request to the HOTU and waits forthe response from the HOTU; the EOTU senses motion and sends a motionstatus to the HOTU; the EOTU senses change in level of lumens(brightness) of an EOTU lamp and sends a status to the HOTU; the EOTUdetects a change in its configuration; the EOTU detects a low level of abattery of the EOTU; the EOTU detects an the EOTU operator button beingpressed; the EOTU detects a change in the air pressure in a brake pipeand changes mode of operation; and/or the EOTU detects connection to anexternal power source and changes mode of operation.

In an example, the choice between first and a second configurationprofiles may be based on a geography or features of a segment of thetrack on which the train is travelling or about to travel. For example,if, based on the received GPS data, it is determined with reference tothe track database (which may include, for geographical sections orlocations along the length of the track the train is travelling, one ormore relations between each said geographical section or location andone or more configuration profiles e.g., the data transmission rateand/or power level, that the EOTU is in or approaching an area whereswitching from first to second data transmission rates and/or from firstto second power levels is desired, the communication device of the EOTUcan be switched from the first data transmission rate and/or the firstpower level to the second data transmission rate and/or the second powerlevel. An example of where it may be desired to switch from the firstdata transmission rate and/or the first power level to the second datatransmission rate and/or the second power level may include, forexample, a known noisy wireless transmission environment (such as anurban environment) or a canyon where communication between the EOTU andHOTU may be adversely by hills or mountains forming the canyon.

In another example, the EOTU switching between a first configurationprofile and a second configuration profile can be based on time/dateand/or location determined visibility conditions and/or detecting alight sensor failure whereupon a high-visibility-marker (HVM) can beturned on in response. For example, for a particular time/date and/orlocation of the EOTU determined from the received GPS data, it may bedetermined that it is night time (e.g., on a particular calendar date)or that the EOTU is in an area where there is limited ambient light(even during daylight hours), whereupon the EOTU may turn on the HVM.

Further preferred and non-limiting embodiments or examples are set forthin the following numbered clauses.

Clause 1: A method of controlling operation of an end-of-train unit(EOTU) of a train during travel of the train on a path, the methodcomprising: (a) determining by a controller, comprising one or moreprocessors, from first GPS data received by a GPS receiver of the EOTU,a first geographical location of the EOTU; (b) causing by the controlleran electrical/electronic device or system of the EOTU to operate in afirst mode of operation on the basis of the first geographical locationof the EOTU determined in step (a); (c) following travel of the train onthe path after step (b), determining by the controller, from second GPSdata received by the GPS receiver of the EOTU, a second geographicallocation of the EOTU; (d) causing by the controller theelectrical/electronic device or system of the EOTU to operate in asecond mode of operation that is different than the first mode ofoperation on the basis of the second geographical location of the EOTUdetermined in step (c).

Clause 2: The method of clause 1, wherein: the electrical/electronicdevice or system comprises an EOTU communication device that isoperative for communicating with a head-of-train unit (HOTU) via acommunication channel; the first mode of operation includes the EOTUcommunication device communicating with the HOTU at a first datatransmission rate; and the second mode of operation includes the EOTUcommunication device communicating with the HOTU at a second, differentdata transmission rate, wherein the communication channel is a wiredcommunication channel, a wireless (radio) communication channel, or acombination of a wired and wireless (radio) communication channel.

Clause 3: The method of clause 1 or 2, wherein the EOTU communicationdevice comprises a transmitter or a transceiver and the HOTU comprises aHOTU communication device comprising a receiver or a transceiver.

Clause 4: The method of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein: theelectrical/electronic device or system comprises an EOTU communicationdevice that is operative for communicating with a head-of-train unit(HOTU) via a communication channel; the first mode of operation includesthe EOTU communication device operating at a first transmission powerlevel; and the second mode of operation includes the EOTU communicationdevice operating at a second, different transmission power level,wherein the communication channel is a wired communication channel, awireless (radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired andwireless (radio) communication channel.

Clause 5: The method of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein: theelectrical/electronic device or system comprises an EOTU communicationdevice that is operative for communicating with head-of-train unit(HOTU) via a communication channel; the first mode of operation includesa first handshake period between the EOTU communication device and theHOTU; and the second mode of operation includes a second, differenthandshake period between the EOTU communication device and the HOTU.

Clause 6: The method any one of clauses 1-5, further including: thecontroller determining from the first and second GPS data, respective,first and second times of day, wherein: the electrical/electronic deviceor system is a lamp; the lamp is operated in the first mode of operationbased on the first geographical location of the EOTU, the first time ofday, or both; and the lamp is operated in the second mode of operationbased on the second geographical location of the EOTU, the second timeof day, or both wherein: the first and second modes of operation are thelamp are on and off, or vice versa.

Clause 7: The method any one of clauses 1-6, further including: thecontroller determining that a light sensor for controlling the first andsecond modes of operation of the lamp based on ambient light is notfunctioning; and the controller determining with reference to datastored in a memory regarding the lamp being in the first or second modeof operation for each combination of geographical location, time of day,or both and bypassing the light sensor and controlling the lamp to be inthe first or second mode of operation based on said referenced data.

Clause 8: The method any one of clauses 1-7, wherein: theelectrical/electronic device or system comprises the controller and anEOTU communication device that are operative for communicating via acommunication channel with a head-of-train unit (HOTU); the second modeof operation comprises the controller, via the EOTU communicationdevice, communicating to the HOTU via the communication channel a firstsignal (request) for the HOTU to transmit to the controller a secondsignal to change a state of a lamp of the EOTU from on to off, or viceversa; and the first mode of operation comprises the controller, via theEOTU communication device, not communicating the first signal (request)to the HOTU, wherein the communication channel is a wired communicationchannel, a wireless (radio) communication channel, or a combination of awired and wireless (radio) communication channel.

Clause 9: The method any one of clauses 1-8, wherein: theelectrical/electronic device or system comprises the controller and anEOTU communication device that are operative for communicating via acommunication channel with a back office; the first mode of operationcomprises the controller, via the EOTU communication device,periodically or aperiodically communicating first sequential set(s) oftrain information to the back office via the communication channel at orwithin a first interval of time; and the second mode of operationcomprises the controller, via the EOTU communication device,periodically or aperiodically communicating second sequential set(s) oftrain information to the back office via the communication channel at orwithin a second, different interval of time, wherein: the communicationchannel is a wired communication channel, a wireless (radio)communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless (radio)communication channel. Each set of train information can include, forexample, one or more of: communication quality, train speed determinedfrom received GPS data, train speed profile, train/locomotive ID, thecurrent location of HOTU, and/or the current location of EOTU. However,these examples of train information are not to be construed in alimiting sense.

Clause 10: The method any one of clauses 1-9, wherein: theelectrical/electronic device or system comprises the controller; thefirst mode of operation comprises the controller periodically oraperiodically acquiring data from or about one or more train devices ator within a first interval of time (e.g., a first data logging rate);and the second mode of operation comprises the controller periodicallyor aperiodically acquiring data from or about the one or more traindevices at or within a second, different interval of time (e.g., asecond data logging rate), wherein: the second interval of time isgreater than or less than the first interval of time; and the traindevices comprise one or more of: the state of a battery of the EOTU, astate of a GPS receiver, air pressure in a brake pipe, a state of abrake pipe valve, the operation of a radio, a current data transmissionrate of the radio, a current power level used by the radio, a currenthandshake period between radios, and the like. However, this list ofdevices is not to be construed in a limiting sense. In an example, thefirst interval of time between sequential acquisitions of data may be 5minutes while the second interval of time between sequentialacquisitions of data may be 10 minutes. However, this is not to beconstrued in a limiting sense.

Clause 11. The method any one of clauses 1-10, wherein: theelectrical/electronic device or system comprises an EOTU camera; thefirst mode of operation comprises a first set of images acquired by theEOTU camera to be transmitted to or not transmitted to a head-of-trainunit (HOTU) via a communication channel; and the second mode ofoperation comprises a second set of images acquired by the EOTU camerato be the other of transmitted to or not transmitted to the HOTU via thecommunication channel, wherein the communication channel is a wiredcommunication channel, a wireless (radio) communication channel, or acombination of a wired and wireless (radio) communication channel.

Clause 12: The method any one of clauses 1-11, further including thecontroller determining from the first and second GPS data, respective,first and second times of day, wherein: the electrical/electronic deviceor system comprises the controller and an EOTU communication device thatare operative for: in the first mode of operation acquiring or notacquiring data from a remote data source via a communication channelbased on the first geographical location of the EOTU, the first time ofday, or both and; in the second mode of operation the other of acquiringdata or not acquiring data via the communication channel from the remotedata source based on a second combination including the secondgeographical location of the EOTU, the second time of day, or both,wherein the communication channel is a wired communication channel, awireless (radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired andwireless (radio) communication channel.

Clause 13: The method of any one of clauses 1-12, wherein: theelectrical/electronic device or system comprises a cellular telephonetransceiver; the first mode of operation comprises the controller, via aEOTU communication device, communicating with a back office via a firstwireless communication channel; and the second mode of operationcomprises the controller, via the EOTU communication device,communicating with the back office via a second wireless communicationchannel, wherein when the first communication channel uses the cellulartelephone transceiver the second communication channel does not use thecellular telephone transceiver, or vice versa.

Clause 14: A method of controlling operation of an end-of-train unit(EOTU) of a train during travel of the train on a path, the EOTUcomprising one or more processors, the method comprising: (a) receiving,by a GPS receiver of the EOTU, first GPS data; (b) setting by acontroller, based on the first GPS data received in step (a), a firstmode of operation of an electrical/electronic device or system of theEOTU; (c) after travel of the train on the path following step (b),receiving by the GPS receiver of the EOTU, second GPS data; and (d)setting by the controller, based on the second GPS data received in step(c), a second, different mode of operation of the electrical/electronicdevice or system of the EOTU that is different than the first mode ofoperation.

Clause 15: The method of clause 14, wherein each GPS data includes atimestamp, data from which the GPS receiver can determine itsgeographical location, or both.

Clause 16: The method of clause 14 or 15, wherein the first and secondmodes of operation of the EOTU are based on the geographic location, ortimestamp, or both determined from each GPS data and include at leastone of the following: first and second data transmission rates of anEOTU communication device; first and second power levels of datatransmission of the EOTU communication device; first and secondhandshake periods of the EOTU communication device with anothercommunication device; a lamp of the EOTU changing state from off to on,or vice versa; transmitting or withholding a request to the othercommunication device to output a command for the EOTU to change thestate of the lamp off to on, or vice versa; the EOTU periodically oraperiodically transmitting data, wherein the interval between sequentialdata transmissions is changed between a first interval of time and asecond interval of time; the EOTU periodically or aperiodicallyacquiring data, wherein the interval between sequential dataacquisitions is changed between the first interval of time and thesecond interval of time; the EOTU transmitting and not transmittingimages acquired by a camera; the EOTU acquiring and not acquiring datafrom a remote data source; and the EOTU communication device's use andnon-use of a cellular telephone transceiver at part of a communicationchannel.

Clause 17: The method any one of clauses 14-16, wherein thecommunication channel is a wired communication channel, a wireless(radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless(radio) communication channel.

Clause 18: A method of controlling operation of an end-of-train unit(EOTU) of a train during travel of the train on a path, the EOTUcomprising a controller including one or more processors, the methodcomprising: (a) in response to travel of the train by a firstgeographical location, the controller setting a function of the EOTU toa first mode of operation in response to a first signal received by theEOTU; and (b) in response to travel of the train by a secondgeographical location, the controller setting the function of the EOTUto a second, different mode of operation in response to a second signalreceived by the EOTU.

Clause 19: The method of clause 18, wherein each signal is received by areceiver of the EOTU.

Clause 20: The method of clause 18 or 19, wherein the receiver is atleast one of the following: a GPS receiver and/or a radio receiver.

Clause 21: The method of any one of clauses 18-20, wherein the first andsecond mode of operation include one of the following: first and seconddata transmission rates of an EOTU communication device; first andsecond power levels of data transmission of the EOTU communicationdevice; first and second handshake periods of the EOTU communicationdevice with another communication device; a lamp of the EOTU changingstate from off to on, or vice versa; the EOTU transmitting orwithholding a request to the other communication device to output acommand for the EOTU to change the state of the lamp off to on, or viceversa; an interval between sequential data transmissions changing from afirst interval of time to a second interval of time; an interval betweensequential data acquisitions changing from a first interval of time to asecond interval of time; the EOTU transmitting and not transmittingimages acquired by a camera; the EOTU acquiring and not acquiring datafrom a remote data source; and the EOTU communication device's use andnon-use of a cellular telephone transceiver at part of a communicationchannel.

Clause 22: The method of any one of clauses 18-21, wherein the firstsignal is received from one or more GPS transmitters or a head-of-trainunit (HOTU) of the train

Clause 23: The method of any one of clauses 18-22, wherein the secondsignal is received from the one or more GPS transmitters or the HOTU ofthe train.

Clause 24: The method of any one of clauses 18-23, wherein at least oneof the first and second signals is received from a source remote fromthe EOTU via a wired connection, or a wireless connection, or thecombination of a wired connection and a wireless connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic, side-view, of a train, including a locomotive anda number of cars, showing non-limiting example locations of ahead-of-train unit (HOTU) and an end-of-train unit (EOTU) in accordancewith the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is schematic illustration of the HOTU and EOTU of FIG. 1including a communication channel that may be used alone or incombination by a radio of the EOTU for communication in accordance withthe principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example method in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various non-limiting examples will now be described with reference tothe accompanying figures where like reference numbers correspond to likeor functionally equivalent elements.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “end,” “upper,”“lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,”“lateral,” “longitudinal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to theexample(s) as oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to beunderstood that the example(s) may assume various alternative variationsand step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Itis also to be understood that the specific example(s) illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary examples or aspects of the invention. Hence, thespecific examples or aspects disclosed herein are not to be construed aslimiting.

With reference to FIG. 1, in some non-limiting embodiments or examples,a train 2 can include a locomotive 4 and a number of cars 6-1-6-X, where“X” can be any whole number greater than or equal to 2. In the exampletrain 2 shown in FIG. 1, locomotive 4 is the lead vehicle of the trainand car 6-X is the last vehicle of train 2. However, this is not to beconstrued in a limiting sense since it is envisioned that the leadvehicle of train 2 can be a car 6 other than locomotive 4, e.g.,locomotive 4 can be positioned in train 2 between the lead vehicle andthe last vehicle. For the purposes of the following description,locomotive 4 will be the lead vehicle of train 2.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, train 2 can include abrake pipe 10 which runs the length of the train between locomotive 4and car 6-X. In an example, brake pipe 10 can be pressurized with airfrom a compressor 14 which can be disposed in locomotive 4. In somenon-limiting embodiments or example, train 2 can include a head-of-trainunit (HOTU) 8 disposed in locomotive 4 and an end-of-train unit (EOTU)unit 12 disposed in car 6-X. In some non-limiting embodiments orexamples, one of the functions of HOTU 8 is to control the air pressurein brake pipe 10 thereby controlling the application of the brakes ofthe train. In an example, HOTU 8 may control the air pressure in brakepipe 10 via a valve 9. More specifically, when valve 9 is open,pressurized air in brake pipe 10 is allowed to vent atmosphere. Incontrast, when valve 9 is closed the air pressure in brake pipe 10 isincreased by the operation of compressor 14. HOTU 8 can be coupled tovalve 9 in a manner to control the open and closed states thereof.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, when it is desired to makea brake application, HOTU 8 can cause valve 9 to open thereby reducingthe brake pipe air pressure whereupon the brakes of the train increaseto a level related to the pressure of air in brake pipe 10. In order torelease the brakes, HOTU 8 can cause valve 9 to switch to a closed statewhereupon air generated by compressor 14 charges the brake pipe 10 withpressurized air. The operation of HOTU 8 to open and close valve 9 canbe under the control of an operator via a human machine interface (notspecifically disclosed herein).

One of the drawbacks of controlling the air pressure in brake pipe 10via valve 9 is reaction time. For example, for trains with, for example,100 or more cars, it can take up to two minutes or more from the timevalve 9 is set to an open state for the reduction in brake pipe 10 airpressure to propagate from locomotive 4 to car 6-X at the tail end ofthe train. This results in cars 6 applying brakes at different points oftime which can result in uneven braking and significant in-train forcesto couplers 16 of train 2. In order to reduce this propagation delay, anEOTU 12 can be provided on car 6-X at the tail end of train 2 which canbe operatively coupled to a valve 13 (similar to valve 9). Operatingunder the direction of HOTU 8, EOTU 12 can control the open and closedstates of valve 13 (desirably in synchronization with) the open andclosed states of valve 9 being controlled by HOTU 8 in order to reducethe propagation delay in the brake pipe air pressure discussed above.

The foregoing description of HOTU 8 controlling valve 9 and EOTU 12controlling valve 13, desirably in synchronization with HOTU 8controlling valve 9, is but one non-limiting embodiment or example ofhow HOTU 8 and EOTU 12 may be used and is not to be construed in alimiting sense. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments orexamples, HOTU 8 may only monitor brake pipe pressure and forward thesaid monitored brake pipe pressure to another system (not shown) whichcontrols valve 9.

With reference to FIG. 2 and with continuing reference to FIG. 1, insome non-limiting embodiments or examples, HOTU 8 can include a radio 26and EOTU 12 can include a radio 28. In an example, radios 26 and 28 canbe in wireless communication with each other whereupon messages,signals, and data can be wirelessly transferred between HOTU 8 and EOTU12.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, HOTU 8 and EOTU 12 caneach include a processor 18 and a memory 20 coupled to processor 18 andoperative for storing one or more software control programs and/oroperational data. Each radio 26 and 28 can be operated by itscorresponding processor to pass messages, signals, and/or data betweenHOTU 8 and EOTU 12 in a manner known in the art.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, “controller” can includeone or more processors of HOTU 8 and/or EOTU 12. Hence, when discussingprocessing by a controller, it is to be understood that such processingcan be performed by either one or both of processors 18 of HOTU 8 andEOTU 12. However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, EOTU 12 may include a GPSreceiver 24. In an example, GPS receiver 24 can receive from one or moreGPS transmitters 30 (e.g., GPS satellites), GPS signals which includeGPS data from which GPS receiver 24 can determine its geographicallocation on or about the time the GPS signals are received by GPSreceiver 24. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the GPSsignals received by GPS receiver 24 can also include time data fromwhich a time of day and, optionally, a current calendar date can bedetermined for the current location of GPS receiver at the geographicallocation.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, EOTU 12 may include one ormore electrical/electronic devices or systems, some of which will bedescribed hereinafter. These one or more other electrical/electronicdevices or systems can be operated in different modes of operationdepending on the geographical location of EOTU 12 determined from GPSdata received by GPS receiver 24. Examples of changing the operationalmodes of the one or more electrical/electronic devices or systems ofEOTU 12 will now be described. In some non-limiting embodiments orexamples, the one or more electrical/electronic devices or systems mayinclude radio 28. However, this is not to be construed in a limitingsense.

With reference to FIG. 3 and with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,in some non-limiting embodiments or examples, a method of controllingthe operation of EOTU 12 during travel of the train on a path caninclude the method advancing from a start step 34 to a step 36 wherein afirst geographical location of EOTU 12 is determined from first GPS datareceived by GPS receiver 24.

The method can then advance to step 38 wherein, based on the firstgeographical location of the EOTU determined in step 36, a controller ofEOTU 12 causes an electrical/electronic device or system of the EOTU tooperate in the first mode of operation on the basis of the firstgeographical location of the EOTU 12 determined in step 36.

The method can then advance to step 40 wherein, following travel of thetrain on the path (e.g., a length of track) after step 38, thecontroller can determine from second GPS data received by the GPSreceiver 24, a second geographical location of the EOTU 12. The methodcan then advance to step 42 wherein the controller causes theelectrical/electronic device or system of EOTU 12 to operate in a secondmode of operation that is different from the first mode of operation onthe basis of the second geographical location of EOTU 12 determined instep 40. The method can then advance to a stop step 44. In somenon-limiting embodiments or examples, the steps of the method of FIG. 3may be repeated as often as is deemed suitable and/or desirable forparticular application(s) and/or environment(s). Accordingly, thedescription of the method of FIG. 3 including stop step 44 is not to beconstrued in a limiting sense.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the electrical orelectronic device or system can comprise an EOTU communication device,such as radio 28, that can be operative for communicating with HOTU 8,in particular, radio 26 of HOTU 8 via a communication channel 32. In anexample, communication channel 32 can be a wireless (radio)communication channel. However, this is not to be construed in alimiting sense since it is envisioned that all or part of communicationchannel 32 may be a wired connection, e.g., without limitation, acoaxial cable. In other words, communication channel may be a wiredcommunication channel, a wireless (radio communication) channel, or acombination of a wired and wireless communication channel.

In an example, the first mode of operation can include the EOTUcommunication device, e.g., radio 28, communicating with HOTU 8, inparticular, radio 26 of HOTU 8, at first data transmission rate. Thesecond mode of operation can include radio 28 communicating with radio26 of HOTU 8 at a second, different data transmission rate.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the different datatransmission rates may be used (e.g., at the same carrier frequency ofcommunication channel 32) where, based on the first and secondgeographical locations determined from the GPS data received by GPSreceiver 24, it may be desirable to transmit data at a slower datatransmission rate due to the potential for noise in the environment,especially where communication channel 32 is at least in part a wirelesscommunication channel that can be adversely affected by such noise.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the controller can haveaccess to a database stored in, for example, memory 20 of EOTU 12. Thedatabase can include a list of geographical locations and, for eachgeographical location, one or more desired operational states of the oneor more electrical/electronic devices or systems of EOTU 12corresponding to geographical locations of EOTU 12 determined from theGPS data received by GPS receiver 24. For example, when train 2 istraveling on the path and EOTU 12 enters a geographical region thatincludes the first geographical location, the controller can beprogrammed or configured to determine from the database that theelectrical/electronic device or system of EOTU 12 is to operate in thefirst mode of operation. Moreover, as the train 2 travels further downthe path and the controller determines that EOTU 12 is at the secondgeographical location, the controller can be programmed or configured todetermine from the database that the electrical/electronic device orsystem of EOTU 12 is to operate in the second mode of operation,different than the first mode of operation.

In this example, the first geographical region may be a region thatincludes a noisy environment for wireless data transmission. In thisexample, upon the controller determining that EOTU 12 is at a firstgeographical location within the first geographical region, thecontroller can cause radio 28 to operate in a first mode of operationthat may be a slower data transmission rate that facilitatescommunication of data between radios 28 and 26 in such noisyenvironment. In an example, upon the controller determining that EOTU 12is at the second geographical location which is outside of the firstgeographical region having the noisy wireless data transmissionenvironment (e.g., a less noisy wireless data transmission environment),the controller can cause radio 28 to communicate with radio 26 at asecond, greater data transmission rate. This example assumed that thesecond geographical location was a less noisy environment for wirelessdata transmission. However, this is not to be construed in a limitingsense since it is envisioned that the second geographical location maybe even a more noisy wireless data transmission environment than thefirst geographical location. Accordingly, the data transmission rate maybe further reduced upon the controller determining that EOTU 12 is atthe second geographical location. Hence, in an example, as train 2 movesbetween different geographical locations, as determined from GPS datareceived from GPS receiver 24, the operational modes of one or more ofthe electrical/electronic devices or systems of EOTU 12 can be changed.In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the same carrier frequencymay be used with the first and second data transmission rates.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, radio 28 can comprise atransmitter or transceiver and radio 26 can comprise a receiver or atransceiver.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the first mode ofoperation can include the EOTU communication device, in an example,radio 28, operating at a first transmission power level. The second modeof operation can include radio 28 operating at a second, differenttransmission power level. In an example, a lower transmission powerlevel (e.g., 2 watts) may be in an environment having less noise while ahigher transmission power level (e.g., 8 watts) may be in an environmenthaving more noise. However, this is not to be construed in a limitingsense.

In some non-limiting embodiments or example, the first mode of operationcan include a first handshake period between radio 28 and radio 26 andthe second mode of operation can include the second, different handshakeperiod. In an example, the first handshake period, e.g., in a noisyenvironment, may include a handshake between radios 28 and 26 very 5seconds while the second handshake period e.g., in a less noisyenvironment, may include handshake between radios 28 and 26 very 10seconds.

As noted above, the geographical regions related to the first and secondgeographical locations and/or the first and second geographicallocations can be stored in the database and can be used as a basis fordetermining when to change the operational mode of any one or more ofthe electrical/electronic device or system of EOTU 12. In somenon-limiting embodiments or examples, the controller can determine fromthe first and second GPS data respective first and second times of dayin addition to first and second geographical locations of the EOTU 12.In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the database may include,for each geographical location, a set of dates/times of day when it isdaylight or night time in said geographical location. Each set ofdates/times of day can be utilized by the controller to determine whento have an electrical/electronic device or system operating in the firstmode of operation or the second mode of operation.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the electrical/electronicdevice or system can be a lamp 44, also known as a high visibilitymarker (HVM). In an example, lamp 44 can be operated in the first modeof operation based on the first geographical location of the EOTU, thefirst time of day, or both. The lamp can be operated in the second modeof operation based on the second geographical location of EOTU 12, thesecond time of day, or both. In this example, the first and second modesof operation can be the lamp being on and off, or vice versa.

In an example, the decision to operate lamp 44 in the first or secondmodes of operation can be based on the geographical location of EOTU 12,for example, in a tunnel, where the lamp is illuminated, or outside ofthe tunnel, where lamp 44 may be turned off if, based on the time ofday, the controller determines that it is daylight. In another example,if it is determined that the first time of day is nighttime, the lampcan be illuminated (turned on) regardless of the geographical locationof EOTU 12. If, based on the current geographical location of EOTU 12,the controller determines from that EOTU 12 may be in low ambient light,e.g., in a tunnel or a canyon the controller can cause lamp 44 to beturned on. In another example, if the controller determines withreference to data stored in the database for the second time of day atthe current geographical location of EOTU 12 that it is daylight, lamp44 may be illuminated only when the geographical location of EOTU 12 isdetermined to be one where it is desired to have the lamp 44illuminated, e.g., a tunnel or other location where there is limitedambient light.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, EOTU 12 can include alight sensor 46 for controlling the on/off state of light 44 based onambient light received by light sensor 46. If light sensor 46 is notfunctioning, however, it would be, nevertheless, desirable to controlthe on/off state of lamp 44. In an example, the controller can determinewith reference to data stored in in the database for each geographicallocation of EOTU 12, time of day, or both whether there is a need tohave lamp 44 on or off and can bypass light sensor 46 and cause lamp 44to be in the first or second mode of operation based on said referencedata. For example, if light sensor 46 is not operational and thecontroller determines from the time of day at the current geographicallocation of EOTU 12 that it is night, the controller can bypass lightsensor 46 and can cause lamp 44 to be in an on state. In anotherexample, if light sensor 46 is not operational and the controllerdetermines from the time of day at the current geographical location ofthe EOTU that it is daylight, the controller can bypass light sensor 46and can cause lamp 44 to be in an off state. In another example, if,based on the geographical location of EOTU 12 (e.g., a tunnel),controller determines with reference to the data stored in memory thatit would be desirable to have lamp 44 in an on state regardless of thetime of day, the controller can bypass light sensor 46 and control lamp44 to be in the on state.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the electrical/electronicdevice or system can comprise the combination of the controller andradio 28 that can be operative for communicating via communicationchannel 32 with HOTU 8. In this example, the second mode of operationcan comprise the controller and radio 28, communicating to HOTU 8 viacommunication channel 32 a first signal (request) for HOTU 8 to transmitto EOTU 12 a second signal to change the state of lamp 44 from on tooff, or vice versa. In this example, the first mode of operation cancomprise the controller and radio 28 not communicating (withholding) thefirst signal (request) to HOTU 8.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the electrical/electronicdevice or system can comprise the controller and radio 28 that can beoperative for communicating via a communication channel 48 with a backoffice 78. In this example, the first mode of operation can comprise thecontroller and radio 28 periodically or aperiodically communicating oneor more first sequential sets of train information to back office 78 viacommunication channel 48 at or within a first interval of time. In anexample, the second mode of operation can comprise the controller andradio 28 periodically or aperiodically communicating one or more secondsequential sets of train information to the back office 78 viacommunication channel 48 at or within a second, different interval oftime. In an example, the first interval of time may be the controllercommunicating with back office 78 every five minutes. The secondinterval of time may be the controller communicating with back office 78every ten minutes. However, this is not to be construed in a limitingsense. In this example, the first and second sequential sets of traininformation can be the same or different. In an example, each set oftrain information may include, for example, one or more of communicationquality, train speed determined from received GPS data, train speedprofile, train/locomotive ID, the current location of HOTU 8, and/or thecurrent location of EOTU 12. However, this is not to be construed in alimiting sense. Back office 78 may use some or all this information forcoordinating the movement of train 2 in a rail network.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the electrical/electronicdevice or system can comprise the controller. In the first mode ofoperation, the controller can periodically or aperiodically acquire datafrom or about one or more train devices at or within a first interval oftime. In the second mode of operation, the controller can periodicallyor aperiodically acquire data from or about the one or more traindevices at or within a second different interval of time. The secondinterval of time can be greater than or less than the first interval oftime. In this example, the first interval of time may be, for example, 5minutes and the second interval of time may be, for example, 10 minutes.However, this is not to be construed in a limiting sense.

Examples of such train devices and data can include one or more of: thestate of a battery (not shown) of EOTU 12, a state of GPS receiver 24,air pressure in brake pipe 10, a state of valve 13 or 9, the operationalstate of radio 28 and/or 26, a current data transmission rate of radio28, a current power level used by radio 28, a current handshake periodbetween radios 26 and 28, and the like. However, this list of devicesand data is not to be construed in a limiting sense.

In some non-limiting embodiments or example, the electrical/electronicdevice or system may comprise a camera 80 of EOTU. In this example, thefirst mode of operation can comprise a first set of images acquired bycamera 80 not being transmitted to HOTU 8 via communication channel 32.The second mode of operation can comprise a second set of imagesacquired by camera 80 being transmitted to HOTU 8 via communicationchannel 32. In an example, camera 80 can be programmed, configured, orcontrolled to periodically or aperiodically acquire images. In anexample, the first set of images may not contain information deemed bythe controller not to be relevant for the purposes of data logging andmay, therefore, not be transferred. On the other hand, the second set ofimages may be deemed desirable to save, e.g., if the images arerecording an event, such as a crash or a derailment event, and maytherefore be transferred to HOTU 8 via communication channel 32.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the electrical/electronicdevice or system can comprise the combination of the controller andradio 28. In an example, the first mode of operation can comprise thecontroller and radio 26 acquiring or not acquiring data from a remotedata source 82 via a communication channel 84 based on the firstgeographical location of EOTU 12, the first time of day, or both. Thesecond mode of operation can comprise the other of acquiring data or notacquiring data from the remote data source 82 via communication channel84 based on the second geographical location of EOTU 12, the second timeof day, or both. In an example, communication channels 48 and 84 can bewireless communication channels. However, this is not to be construed ina limiting sense since it is envisioned that each communication channel48 and 84 may be a wireless communication channel, a wired communicationchannel, or a combination of a wired and wireless communication channel.

In an example, remote data source 82 may comprise a train trafficautomation system and the data acquired by the controller from remotedata source 82 can include data that is being passed between EOTU's andHOTU's of one or more other trains in a train network.

In some non-limiting embodiments or example, the electrical/electronicdevice or system can comprise a cellular telephone transceiver 86 thatis part of or operatively connected to radio 28. In an example, thecontroller can cause radio 28 to utilize cellular transceiver 86 tocommunicate with back office 78 via a communication channel 88 that cancomprise a cellular network when direct radio communication with backoffice 78 via communication channel 48 is unavailable. In an example,the first mode of operation can comprise the controller via radio 28 andcellular transceiver 86 communicating with back office 78 viacommunication channel 88. In an example, the second mode of operationcan comprise the controller via radio 28 (without using cellulartransceiver 86) communicating with back office 78 via communicationchannel 48.

With reference to FIG. 4 and with continuing reference to all previousfigures, in some non-limiting embodiments or examples, a method ofcontrolling EOTU 12 can include the method advancing from a start step50 to step 52 wherein GPS receiver 24 receives first GPS data. Themethod can then advance to step 54 wherein a controller of EOTU can seta device or system of the EOTU to a first mode of operation on the basisof the first GPS data. In step 56, after travel of the train on the pathfollowing step 54, GPS receiver 24 can receive second GPS data. In step58, the controller, based on the second GPS data can set the device orsystem of EOTU 12 to a second mode of operation. The method can thenadvance to stop step 60. In some non-limiting embodiments or examples,the steps of the method of FIG. 4 may be repeated as often as is deemedsuitable and/or desirable for particular application(s) and/orenvironment(s). Accordingly, the description of the method of FIG. 4including stop step 60 is not to be construed in a limiting sense.

In some non-limiting embodiments or example, each GPS data can include atimestamp or time, and data from which GPS receiver 24 can determine itsgeographical location, or both. In some non-limiting embodiments orexamples, the first and second modes of operation can be based on thegeographic location of EOTU, or the timestamp, or both determined fromeach GPS data. These first and second modes of operation can include oneor more of the following: first and second data transmission rates of anEOTU communication device; first and second power levels of datatransmission of the EOTU communication device; first and secondhandshake periods of the EOTU communication device with anothercommunication device; a lamp of the EOTU changing state from off to on,or vice versa; transmitting or withholding a request to anothercommunication device to output a command for the EOTU to change thestate of the lamp off to on, or vice versa; the EOTU periodically oraperiodically transmitting data, wherein the interval between sequentialdata transmissions is changed between a first interval of time and asecond interval of time; the EOTU periodically or aperiodicallyacquiring data, wherein the interval between sequential dataacquisitions is changed between the first interval of time and thesecond interval of time; the EOTU transmitting and not transmittingimages acquired by a camera; the EOTU acquiring and not acquiring datafrom a remote data source; and the EOTU communication device's use andnon-use of a cellular telephone transceiver at part of a communicationchannel.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the communication channelcan be a wired communication channel, a wireless communication channel,or a combination of a wired and wireless communication channel.

With reference to FIG. 5 and with continuing reference to all previousfigures, in some non-limiting embodiments or examples, a method ofcontrolling the operation of EOTU 12 during travel of train 2 on thepath can include the method advancing from start step 70 to step 72wherein the controller of EOTU 12 sets a function of the EOTU to a firstmode of operation in response to a first signal received by EOTU 12 onthe basis of the train traveling by a first geographical location. Instep 74, the controller sets the function of EOTU 12 to a second,different mode of operation in the response to a second signal receivedby EOTU 12 in response to travel of the train by a second geographicallocation. The method can then advance to a stop step 76. In somenon-limiting embodiments or examples, the steps of the method of FIG. 5may be repeated as often as is deemed suitable and/or desirable forparticular application(s) and/or environment(s). Accordingly, thedescription of the method of FIG. 5 including stop step 76 is not to beconstrued in a limiting sense.

In an example, each signal can be received by a receiver of EOTU 12. Inan example, the receiver can be GPS receiver 24 or radio receiver 28. Insome non-limiting embodiments or examples, where the signal is receivedby radio receiver 28, data received by a GPS receiver 22 of HOTU 8 canbe communicated to EOTU 12 via radios 26 and 28. Based on the datareceived by GPS receiver 22, from which the current geographicallocation of HOTU 8 can be determined, and knowing the length of train 2,the geographical location of EOTU 12 can be determined, e.g., byreference to a track database stored in a memory that includes dataabout the characteristics (geography and topography) of the path thattrain 2 is traveling, such as curves, straightaways, and the like.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, HOTU 8 may directlycommand EOTU 12, via radios 26 and 28, to set the function of EOTU 12 toa different mode of operation based on data received by GPS receiver 22,without communicating said received data to EOTU 12.

In some non-limiting embodiments or examples, the first and second modesof operation can include one or more of the following: first and seconddata transmission rates of an EOTU communication device; first andsecond power levels of data transmission of the EOTU communicationdevice; first and second handshake periods of the EOTU communicationdevice with another communication device; a lamp of the EOTU changingstate from off to on, or vice versa; the EOTU transmitting orwithholding a request to the other communication device to output acommand for the EOTU to change the state of the lamp off to on, or viceversa; an interval between sequential data transmissions changing from afirst interval of time to a second interval of time; an interval betweensequential data acquisitions changing from a first interval of time to asecond interval of time; the EOTU transmitting and not transmittingimages acquired by a camera; the EOTU acquiring and not acquiring datafrom a remote data source; and the EOTU communication device's use andnon-use of a cellular transceiver at part of a communication channel.

In this example, the first signal can be received from one or more GPStransmitters 30 or HOTU 8. Similarly, the second signal can be receivedfrom the one or more GPS transmitters 30 or HOTU 8. Finally, at leastone of the first and second signals can be received from remote datasource 82 via a communication channel 84 which can be a wirelessconnection, a wired connection, or the combination of a wireless andwired connection.

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose ofillustration based on what is currently considered to be the mostpractical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that suchdetail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limitedto the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to covermodifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit andscope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood thatthe present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one ormore features of any embodiment can be combined with one or morefeatures of any other embodiment.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling operation of anend-of-train unit (EOTU) of a train during travel of the train on apath, the method comprising: (a) determining, by a controller,comprising one or more processors, from first GPS data received by a GPSreceiver of the EOTU, a first geographical location of the EOTU; (b)causing, by the controller, an electrical/electronic device or system ofthe EOTU to operate in a first mode of operation on the basis of thefirst geographical location of the EOTU determined in step (a); (c)following travel of the train on the path after step (b), determining,by the controller, from second GPS data received by the GPS receiver ofthe EOTU, a second geographical location of the EOTU; (d) causing, bythe controller, the electrical/electronic device or system of the EOTUto operate in a second mode of operation that is different than thefirst mode of operation on the basis of the second geographical locationof the EOTU determined in step (c).
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein:the electrical/electronic device or system comprises an EOTUcommunication device that is operative for communicating with ahead-of-train unit (HOTU) via a communication channel; the first mode ofoperation includes the EOTU communication device communicating with theHOTU at a first data transmission rate; and the second mode of operationincludes the EOTU communication device communicating with the HOTU at asecond, different data transmission rate, wherein the communicationchannel is a wired communication channel, a wireless (radio)communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless (radio)communication channel.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the EOTUcommunication device comprises a transmitter or a transceiver and theHOTU comprises a HOTU communication device comprising a receiver or atransceiver.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein: theelectrical/electronic device or system comprises an EOTU communicationdevice that is operative for communicating with a head-of-train unit(HOTU) via a communication channel; the first mode of operation includesthe EOTU communication device operating at a first transmission powerlevel; and the second mode of operation includes the EOTU communicationdevice operating at a second, different transmission power level,wherein the communication channel is a wired communication channel, awireless (radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired andwireless (radio) communication channel.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein: the electrical/electronic device or system comprises an EOTUcommunication device that is operative for communicating withhead-of-train unit (HOTU) via a communication channel; the first mode ofoperation includes a first handshake period between the EOTUcommunication device and the HOTU; and the second mode of operationincludes a second, different handshake period between the EOTUcommunication device and the HOTU.
 6. The method of claim 1, furtherincluding: the controller determining from the first and second GPSdata, respective, first and second times of day, wherein: theelectrical/electronic device or system is a lamp; the lamp is operatedin the first mode of operation based on the first geographical locationof the EOTU, the first time of day, or both; and the lamp is operated inthe second mode of operation based on the second geographical locationof the EOTU, the second time of day, or both, wherein: the first andsecond modes of operation are the lamp are on and off, or vice versa. 7.The method of claim 6, further including: the controller determiningthat a light sensor for controlling the first and second modes ofoperation of the lamp based on ambient light is not functioning; and thecontroller determining with reference to data stored in a memoryregarding the lamp being in the first or second mode of operation foreach geographical location, time or day, or both and bypassing the lightsensor and controlling the lamp to be in the first or second mode ofoperation based on said referenced data.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein: the electrical/electronic device or system comprises thecontroller and an EOTU communication device that are operative forcommunicating via a communication channel with a head-of-train unit(HOTU); the second mode of operation comprises the controller, via theEOTU communication device, communicating to the HOTU via thecommunication channel a first signal (request) for the HOTU to transmitto the controller a second signal to change a state of a lamp of theEOTU from on to off, or vice versa; and the first mode of operationcomprises the controller, via the EOTU communication device, notcommunicating the first signal (request) to the HOTU, wherein thecommunication channel is a wired communication channel, a wireless(radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless(radio) communication channel.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein: theelectrical/electronic device or system comprises the controller and anEOTU communication device that are operative for communicating via acommunication channel with a back office; the first mode of operationcomprises the controller, via the EOTU communication device,periodically or aperiodically communicating first sequential sets oftrain information to the back office via the communication channel at orwithin a first interval of time; and the second mode of operationcomprises the controller, via the EOTU communication device,periodically or aperiodically communicating second sequential sets oftrain information to the back office via the communication channel at orwithin a second, different interval of time, wherein: the communicationchannel is a wired communication channel, a wireless (radio)communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless (radio)communication channel.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein: theelectrical/electronic device or system comprises the controller; thefirst mode of operation comprises the controller periodically oraperiodically acquiring data from or about one or more train devices ator within a first interval of time; and the second mode of operationcomprises the controller periodically or aperiodically acquiring datafrom or about the one or more train devices at or within a second,different interval of time, wherein: the second interval of time isgreater than or less than the first interval of time.
 11. The method ofclaim 1, wherein: the electrical/electronic device or system comprisesan EOTU camera; the first mode of operation comprises a first set ofimages acquired by the EOTU camera to be transmitted to or nottransmitted to a head-of-train unit (HOTU) via a communication channel;and the second mode of operation comprises a second set of imagesacquired by the EOTU camera to be the other of transmitted to or nottransmitted to the HOTU via the communication channel, wherein thecommunication channel is a wired communication channel, a wireless(radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless(radio) communication channel.
 12. The method of claim 1, furtherincluding the controller determining from the first and second GPS data,respective, first and second times of day, wherein: theelectrical/electronic device or system comprises the controller and anEOTU communication device that are operative for: in the first mode ofoperation acquiring or not acquiring data from a remote data source viaa communication channel based on a the first geographical location ofthe EOTU, the first time of day, or both and; in the second mode ofoperation the other of acquiring data or not acquiring data from theremote data source via the communication channel based on a the secondgeographical location of the EOTU, the second time of day, or both,wherein the communication channel is a wired communication channel, awireless (radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired andwireless (radio) communication channel.
 13. The method of claim 1,wherein: the electrical/electronic device or system comprises a cellulartelephone transceiver; the first mode of operation comprises thecontroller, via a EOTU communication device, communicating with a backoffice via a first wireless communication channel; and the second modeof operation comprises the controller, via the EOTU communicationdevice, communicating with the back office via a second wirelesscommunication channel, wherein when the first communication channel usesthe cellular telephone transceiver the second communication channel doesnot use the cellular telephone transceiver, or vice versa.
 14. A methodof controlling operation of an end-of-train unit (EOTU) of a trainduring travel of the train on a path, the EOTU device comprising one ormore processors, the method comprising: (a) receiving, by a GPS receiverof the EOTU, first GPS data; (b) setting, by a controller, based on thefirst GPS data received in step (a), a first mode of operation of anelectrical/electronic device or system of the EOTU; (c) after travel ofthe train on the path following step (b), receiving, by the GPS receiverof the EOTU, second GPS data; and (d) setting, by the controller, basedon the second GPS data received in step (c), a second, different mode ofoperation of the electrical/electronic device or system of the EOTU thatis different than the first mode of operation.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein each GPS data includes a timestamp, data from which the GPSreceiver can determine its geographical location, or both.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the first and second modes of operation ofthe EOTU are based on the geographic location, or timestamp, or bothdetermined from each GPS data and include at least one of the following:first and second data transmission rates of an EOTU communicationdevice; first and second power levels of data transmission of the EOTUcommunication device; first and second handshake periods of the EOTUcommunication device with another communication device; a lamp of theEOTU changing state from off to on, or vice versa; transmitting orwithholding a request to the other communication device to output acommand for the EOTU to change the state of the lamp off to on, or viceversa; the EOTU periodically or aperiodically transmitting data, whereinthe interval between sequential data transmissions is changed between afirst interval of time and a second interval of time; the EOTUperiodically or aperiodically acquiring data, wherein the intervalbetween sequential data acquisitions is changed between the firstinterval of time and the second interval of time; the EOTU transmittingand not transmitting images acquired by a camera; the EOTU acquiring andnot acquiring data from a remote data source; and the EOTU communicationdevice's use and non-use of a cellular telephone transceiver at part ofa communication channel.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein thecommunication channel is a wired communication channel, a wireless(radio) communication channel, or a combination of a wired and wireless(radio) communication channel.
 18. A method of controlling operation ofan end-of-train unit (EOTU) of a train during travel of the train on apath, the EOTU device comprising a controller including one or moreprocessors, the method comprising: (a) in response to travel of thetrain by a first geographical location, the controller setting afunction of the EOTU to a first mode of operation in response to a firstsignal received by the EOTU; and (b) in response to travel of the trainby a second geographical location, the controller setting the functionof the EOTU to a second, different mode of operation in response to asecond signal received by the EOTU.
 19. The method of claim 18, whereineach signal is received by a receiver of the EOTU.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the receiver is at least one of the following: a GPSreceiver and/or a radio receiver.
 21. The method of claim 18, whereinthe first and second modes of operation include one of the following:first and second data transmission rates of an EOTU communicationdevice; first and second power levels of data transmission of the EOTUcommunication device; first and second handshake periods of the EOTUcommunication device with another communication device; a lamp of theEOTU changing state from off to on, or vice versa; the EOTU transmittingor withholding a request to the other communication device to output acommand for the EOTU to change the state of the lamp off to on, or viceversa; an interval between sequential data transmissions changing from afirst interval of time to a second interval of time; an interval betweensequential data acquisitions changing from a first interval of time to asecond interval of time; the EOTU transmitting and not transmittingimages acquired by a camera; the EOTU acquiring and not acquiring datafrom a remote data source; and the EOTU communication device's use andnon-use of a cellular telephone transceiver at part of a communicationchannel.
 22. The method of claim 18, wherein the first signal isreceived from one or more GPS transmitters or a head-of-train unit(HOTU) of the train
 23. The method of claim 18, wherein the secondsignal is received from the one or more GPS transmitters or thehead-of-train unit (HOTU) of the train.
 24. The method of claim 18,wherein at least one of the first and second signals is received from asource remote from the EOTU via a wired connection, or a wirelessconnection, or the combination of a wired connection and a wirelessconnection.